Welcome to our October Newsletter.
We hope you are well and and are enjoying the warmer spring weather.
Firstly, a reminder that our 2024 Short Story Competition is open for entries and will be closing at the end of the month on the 31st of October.
If you’ve participated in our Short Story Courses this year or have been working on a project in your own time, this is your chance to get recognition for your work. See below for more details.
For those of you embarking on your writing journey this month, we thank you for joining us, and we trust that you are enjoying the pleasure of finally making writing and creativity a part of your life.
The Duality of Writing: Learning to Care—and Not Care
In a speech to the Australian Film and Television School, Academy Award-winning director and writer, Peter Weir, revealed a profound insight into the art of writing: the secret to writing is to care and not care.
This duality lies at the heart of every great writer’s journey. You must care enough to learn the craft, put in the hard work, and create the best possible version of your story.
Yet, when it comes time to actually writing—when you’re in the thick of drafting scenes—you have to let go, be daring, trust your instincts and allow the magic to unfold.
Finding the balance between discipline and creative freedom is how you create your best work.
Jo’s Journey: From Dream to Reality
Jo Skinner came to the Writers’ Studio with a dream. After completing the Novel & Script Writing Course, she set a personal goal:
One day, my novel will sit on the Writers’ Studio bookshelf alongside the other published authors.
She did the work, cared enough to study, refined her craft, and committed to her vision. And now, her dream is a reality. Her debut novel, The Truth About My Daughter, has been published by Hawkeye Publishing, boasting a stellar 4.9 rating on Goodreads.
One reviewer wrote: “This author possesses great skill in heartbreaking storytelling, crafting complex characters, and exploring difficult themes with tenderness. She reminds readers of what truly matters: that real family is made up of the people we choose to love. Even though this is her first novel, Skinner’s writing is compelling, and her observations are sharp. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.”
Erina’s Commitment
Another inspiring example comes from Erina Reddan. During her first course at the Writers’ Studio, the 4-Week Unlocking Creativity Writing Course, Erina had a pivotal moment.
As she looked around the room, she realised that, judging by the quality of the work produced in the class, everyone had a well of natural talent. That was when she asked herself the question: What would it take for my novel to be published?
The truth is, everyone is a unique individual and has something worthwhile to say. But like any creative pursuit, what the final results will be depends on your commitment and how far you want to take it.
Like Jo, Erina decided to commit herself to learning the craft and doing the work. Fast forward, and Erina has now published three novels, including her latest thriller, Deep in the Forest, which author Lyn Yeowart described as: “An intense and layered narrative of shocking secrets and betrayals.”
The key to success is courage and commitment.
Both Jo and Erina embody the quote on the whiteboard at Writers’ Studio, “Everything you want in life is on the other side of fear and discipline.”
The Writers’ Studio Short Story Competition 2024
A reminder that our annual Short Story Competition is open for submissions! The Writers’ Studio Short Story Competition is a celebration of emerging writers and is open to anyone aged 18 and over. Writers can write to any theme.
DEADLINE: 5pm AEST, Thursday, 31 October 2024
First Prize $800 | Second Prize: $400 | Third Prize: $200
The Top 3 Winning Entries will be published on The Writers’ Studio website.
Intensive 6-Week Short Story Genre Course
The 6-Week Short Story Genre Course will keep your writing process alive and inspired as you learn some key story dynamics within the framework of four key genres. By learning the basics of the various genres you can add drama, depth and resonance to your characters and stories.
It also gives writers considering the 10-Month Novel & Script First Draft Course an excellent opportunity to explore ideas before embarking on the longer journey of writing your novel or screenplay.
This comprehensive short story course starts on the 30th of October, designed for writers who have completed Unlocking Creativity or any other short story course and are looking to continue their writing journey.
Success Stories
The Truth About My Daughter by Jo Skinner
Congratulations to Jo Skinner, an alumna of the Writers’ Studio, whose debut novel, The Truth About My Daughter, has been published by Hawkeye Publishing and is out now!
Sisters Fin and George Steinbauer navigate their love/hate relationship growing up in a highly dysfunctional family.
Their father moves them to an isolated property where his dreams to create an idyllic retreat crumble while his family tiptoe around his unpredictable moods.
Steinbauer family history is rewritten even while it is happening until it becomes difficult to recall which bits are fabricated or embellished.
Click here to buy The Truth About My Daughter
Share the Good News!
If you’ve earned recognition for your writing in competitions or received awards, we’d like to showcase and celebrate your accomplishments!
Please share a brief note along with relevant details or links to wstudio@writerstudio.com.au with the subject line “Success Stories.”
We look forward to showcasing your achievements.
Giveaways and Ticket Deal!
The Girl From Moscow
Thanks to Pantera Press, we have 3 copies of Writers’ Studio alumna, Julia Levitina’s debut novel, The Girl From Moscow, to give away!
Moscow, 1983. Twenty-one-year-old Ella’s dreams of playing Natasha Rostova in War and Peace at the Moscow Theatre Academy are shattered when she’s labelled a traitor by the KGB.
She yearns to escape the cruel and oppressive Soviet regime but will she risk everything to secure her freedom?
An absorbing, thrilling and heart-stopping Cold War drama, perfect for fans of The Spy’s Wife and The Girl from Munich.
For your chance to win a copy of Julia’s novel, email with your name, address, the book title and your mobile number to: rsvp@writerstudio.com.au
GHOSTLIGHT
Thanks to Vendetta Films, we have 5 double passes to Ghostlight to giveaway, a film starring Keith Kupferer, Katherine Mallen Kupferer and Tara Mallen, opening in cinemas on the 10th October.
Ghostlight centres on Dan, a melancholic middle-aged construction worker grieving a family tragedy.
Cut off from his devoted wife, Sharon, and talented but troubled daughter, Daisy, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While moonlighting in a low-rent production of Shakespeare’s most protean tragedy, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.
You can watch the trailer here
For your chance to win, email with your name, address, the series title and your mobile to: rsvp@writerstudio.com.au
Memoir of a Snail
Thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have 5 double passes to give away to Memoir of a Snail.
This stop-motion feature film recently won the Cristal Award for best feature Annecy Film Festival and will be released in Australian cinemas October 17th.
Memoir of a Snail is the bittersweet remembrance of Grace Pudel (Sarah Snook), a lonely misfit with an affinity for collecting ornamental snails and an intense love for books.
From Academy Award-winning animation writer and director Adam Elliot, Memoir of a Snail is a poignant, heartfelt and hilarious chronicle of the life of an outsider finding her confidence and silver linings amongst the clutter of everyday life.
You can watch the trailer here
For your chance to win, email with your name, address, the series title and your mobile to: rsvp@writerstudio.com.au
The Kingdom of Eucalypts
One of our wonderful tutors, Elise Hawthorne is working in a new Australian play about the life of Miles Franklin at Bondi Pavilion Theatre.
As exclusive Writers’ Studio subscribers, you can receive 10% off Adult Tickets to performances of The Kingdom of Eucalypts, from 30 Oct – 17 Nov.
This new Australian play by Alice Spigelman delves into the life of Miles Franklin after the success of My Brilliant Career. Set in 1930s Sydney, during the post-Depression era and the rise of fascism, it follows Miles as she returns from international acclaim, only to face the frustration of fading recognition at home.
To take advantage of this offer, use code: MF10
Click here to buy tickets to The Kingdom of Eucalypts
Recent Course Feedback
Some snippets of the wonderful feedback that we receive back from recently completed courses. We update these each newsletter.
“I have loved writing, each week there was a new task to be achieved which took me into a world of creativity, crafting words, scenes, people and situations with so many possibilities. I think you would love this experience. Take a look at The Writers’ Studio online courses, it will open a world of possibilities!” Allison, Unlocking Creativity Online
“This course is not just a lesson on how to write a first draft. That’s really only a small part of it. It’s about embracing chaos and mess. About grit – pushing forward each week, no matter how much of a grind it can be. It’s about getting those little “uh huh” moments. It’s social, it’s joy and frustration (it honestly is a form of therapy). Both my character and I have been on a journey in this process, but I think I may have learned the most. Thank you!” Sally, First Draft Live
“The course has been invaluable, I have received so many new writing skills to allow me to be able to eventually tell my story in a way I will be proud of. I am continually learning essential life lessons as I attend classes, meet in groups with other writers and give and receive feedback. Through this very exciting but hard journey I have discovered a little self-compassion goes a long way. Fantastic support from tutors and the writers studio wonderful class mates!” Lili, Third Draft Part 1
“Forget those other courses. This is the one you need to take. It did unlock my creativity. It taught me to write without inhibition and to go with ‘it’.” Walt, Unlocking Creativity Live
“I came to the course to learn how to structure a novel. I had an idea of a culture I wanted to write about. A character I had in my head that would be the anti-hero, or rather unlikely hero of my story. But on completion of the course itself, it’s now apparent that I’ve learned so much more. I’ve learnt how to live a novel. To live with a story inside my head all day, every day. I’m now at the start of the next stage of this magical journey. I will finish it. Get published or die trying.” Sye, First Draft Live
“I honestly didn’t think a writing course could fire up my courage. But it has! Through reading out loud and writing the feelings of characters I have leaned into my authentic creative voice and I’ve learnt how to express it. I have learnt that creativity can have structure and that I write better when I have tools and guardrails for my imagination.” Anna, Unlocking Creativity Live